Right Uppercut (df+2) is one of Yoshimitsu’s strongest moves.
If you land it, you get a full launcher — and the risk is surprisingly low compared to its reward.
When combined with Ushiwaka ([3,4]), you can keep your opponent out and control mid-range like a pro. If you haven’t mastered Ushiwaka yet, check my Ushiwaka Move Guide first — it’s another essential tool for Yoshimitsu players.
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Move Overview
- Name: Basic Uppercut
- Command: df+2 • Category: Keep Out
- Best For: Mid-range keep out
- Damage: 13
- Guard Frame: -7
- Hit Frame: Launcher / +4 against crouching
- Extra Info: One of the strongest keep-out moves; also a favorite of a former legendary Yoshimitsu blogger.
Simple but powerful — Right Uppercut is a pure launcher with no stance tricks. Professional players use it extremely well.
It reflects your Tekken fundamentals — the more effectively you use it, the deeper your understanding of the game.
When to Use Right Uppercut
Right Uppercut is most effective when your opponent tries to approach.
It functions similarly to Ushiwaka as a keep-out tool, but there are key differences:
• Closer range effectiveness – works best at shorter mid-range.
• Full launcher on hit – bigger reward than Ushiwaka.
• Slightly less risk on whiff – faster recovery than some keep-out tools.
Understanding these differences lets you use both moves intelligently for a complete mid-range game.
Strategy Tips
Pure Keep Away
Almost all characters in Tekken 8 need to approach using forward (f) or dash (ff). While moving forward, they can’t guard — which is why strong players often move-stop-move-stop to avoid getting clipped.
As a basic keep-out strategy, always look for your opponent’s ff approach and intercept with df+2.
Close Range Disturbance
Right Uppercut also works in close-range combat, especially when you anticipate a mid or slow startup move.
Many players want to deal damage through 50/50 mix-ups — forcing you to guess between standing block and crouching block. But to even attempt a 50/50, they first have to get in range. This is your window to intercept.
Frame Trap Disruption
Keep-out isn’t just about spacing. You can also use df+2 to interrupt certain plus-frame setups.
Example:
- Kazuya hits you with db+4 → +4 frames advantage.
- He tries to do Wind God Step+1+2 (24f 50/50).
- Your df+2 is 15f after the +4, meaning it reaches the opponent in 19f — just fast enough to interrupt and disrupt their mind game.
⚠ Note: This isn’t always the best option and depends on reads — but it’s great for changing the flow.
Common Mistakes
Overusing in neutral → Getting whiff punished
Keep-out moves always lose to whiff punish. If opponents start baiting you, switch to Ushiwaka or close the gap and run a 50/50 mix-up instead.
Using it in close range and getting counter-hit
If you get counter-hit, your opponent’s frame advantage lets them run their frame traps. In this situation, standing guard is usually the safest option.
Related Yoshimitsu Moves
- Tekken 8 Yoshimitsu Moves List – Essential Attacks for Beginners
- How to Keep Out Your Enemy with Ushiwaka – Tekken 8 Yoshimitsu Move Guide for Beginners
Conclusion
Right Uppercut is one of Yoshimitsu’s keep-out “Three Sacred Treasures” in Tekken 8 — low risk, high return, and capable of shutting down aggression instantly.
If you master this move, you’ll have a reliable way to check your opponent’s approach and score a launcher for massive damage. Combine it with Ushiwaka and other keep-out tools, and you’ll have a rock-solid mid-range defense on your way to Tekken King and above.
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